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- 1 pound (450g) gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, including juices - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. Gnocchi gives a nice texture. The diced tomatoes add flavor and moisture. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrients. - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup cream cheese (or plant-based alternative such as cashew cream) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish) Adding vegetable broth enhances the taste. Cream cheese makes the sauce creamy and rich. Grated Parmesan gives a nice finishing touch. - Large skillet or sauté pan - Knife and cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A skillet helps cook everything in one pan. A good knife and cutting board let you chop ingredients safely. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir often until it smells great and turns golden. Be careful not to burn it. Once the garlic is ready, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Stir this mix and let it simmer gently. After a minute, toss in 1 pound of gnocchi. Then, add 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well. Now, turn up the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes. Check the gnocchi after 5 minutes. They should be tender and cooked through. When the gnocchi are soft, fold in 4 cups of fresh spinach and 1/2 cup of cream cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cream cheese melts into the dish. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of your one pan tomato spinach gnocchi! - To get perfect gnocchi, cook them until they float. This shows they are done. - Avoid burnt garlic by stirring often and watching closely. Garlic burns fast! - Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls for a nice look. - Add a fresh basil leaf and a twist of black pepper on top. - Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. - For protein, mix in cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and retains a vibrant color compared to frozen spinach, enhancing the dish's overall appeal. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile. Perfect Gnocchi Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; they should float to the top when done, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Enhance the Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a delightful tang or heat. {{image_4}} For a plant-based or vegan option, switch cream cheese with cashew cream. This makes the dish creamy without dairy. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a nut-based alternative. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this option now. Always check the label to ensure it fits your dietary needs. Feel free to mix in different vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms add great flavor. You can also include frozen peas for added color and nutrition. For cheese, try goat cheese or feta as a tasty swap. These options bring a tangy twist to the dish. You can even use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. For a fresh flavor boost, toss in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also use oregano or thyme for a different taste. These herbs enhance the dish and add a nice aroma. After enjoying your meal, let the gnocchi cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. This dish stays fresh for about 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. To freeze, transfer the cooled gnocchi to a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air before sealing. It keeps well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. To revive your dish, reheat it gently. Stir it often to avoid sticking. The texture may change slightly, but it will still taste good. The flavors blend well even after storage, giving you a comforting meal. Enjoy the warmth and taste just like the first time! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on low heat. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you want more spice, add more! You can also use spicy Italian sausage or hot sauce for extra kick. If you lack cream cheese, try a plant-based option like cashew cream. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt. These will add creaminess and flavor without changing the dish too much. The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the pan. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also taste one to check if it's tender. It should be soft but still have a slight bite. Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just thaw it and squeeze out excess water. Add it to the pan when you fold in the cream cheese. It will blend nicely into the dish, just like fresh spinach. This blog post covered a delicious gnocchi dish. I shared key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking directions. You learned various tips to enhance flavor and presentation. I also highlighted dietary variations and storage methods. Remember, cooking should be fun. Don't shy away from experimenting with new flavors or ingredients. Enjoy creating your perfect gnocchi dish, and share it with others.

One Pan Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Delight

A delicious and easy one-pan dish featuring gnocchi, tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, including juices
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese or plant-based alternative
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or sauté pan, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium flame until shimmering.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and golden – but take care not to let it burn.
  • Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
  • Once simmering, introduce the gnocchi into the pan, followed by the vegetable broth, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • Give everything a good stir to combine, then increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle boil. Afterward, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
  • When the gnocchi reach the desired tenderness, gently fold in the fresh spinach and cream cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cream cheese melts seamlessly into the dish.
  • Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper if needed to elevate the flavors.
  • Serve the gnocchi warm, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for an extra touch of richness.

Notes

Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnished with a fresh basil leaf and a twist of black pepper for an appealing finish. A drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor. Enjoy!
Keyword easy meal, gnocchi, one-pan, vegetarian